Broccoli Cheddar Beans with Crispy Cheddar Panko from Carolina Gelen’s cookbook Pass the Plate transforms the classic broccoli cheddar soup into a heartier, stewy dish. With the addition of butter beans and a crispy cheddar panko topping, this recipe is both comforting and satisfying, offering a rich and flavorful alternative to the usual soups. The cheddar and crispy panko provide a delicious contrast to the creamy broccoli and bean stew, making this dish a hit for any meal.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients
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For the Crispy Cheddar Panko:
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2½ ounces sharp cheddar cheese, coarsely grated (about 1 cup)
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½ cup panko or other breadcrumbs
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2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
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For the Cheddar Broccoli Beans:
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3 tablespoons unsalted butter
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2 medium shallots, finely chopped
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4 garlic cloves, finely chopped
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1 small head broccoli, chopped into big chunks (4 to 5 cups)
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2 tablespoons all-purpose flour or cornstarch
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2¼ cups whole milk (plus more as needed)
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5 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, coarsely grated (about 2 heaping cups)
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Three 15-ounce cans butter beans or lima beans, drained and rinsed
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Flaky salt, extra-virgin olive oil (optional), freshly ground black pepper (optional), and Aleppo pepper or red chile flakes (optional), for serving
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Directions
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Make the Cheddar Panko: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Combine the cheddar, panko, and melted butter on the baking sheet, tossing lightly. Shake the pan to even out the breadcrumb layer. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, until the panko is golden and crispy. Set aside to cool slightly.
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Make the Cheddar Broccoli Beans: In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the shallots and a pinch of kosher salt, cooking for about 4 minutes until translucent. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Add the broccoli and cook for 5 to 6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the broccoli is bright green but still firm. Add a splash of water to deglaze the pan if necessary.
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Add the flour to the pan, stirring to coat the veggies. Slowly pour in the milk while stirring constantly. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for about 2 minutes until the broccoli is just tender.
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Remove the pan from heat and stir in the cheddar cheese. Use an immersion blender to blend the mixture until smooth, leaving a few chunks for texture (or transfer to a blender). If the mixture is too thick, add a splash of milk to loosen it.
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Return the pan to medium heat, bring to a simmer, and add the beans. Cook for 5 to 8 minutes until the beans are warmed through. Season with salt to taste.
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Divide the bean stew into bowls and top with the crispy cheddar panko. If desired, drizzle with olive oil and season with black pepper and Aleppo pepper.
Nutrients
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Calories: 712
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Fat: 32g
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Carbs: 76g
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Protein: 35g
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Sugars: 13g
A Hearty Twist on the Classic Broccoli Cheddar Soup
Traditional broccoli cheddar soup is a favorite in many households for its creamy texture and comforting flavor. However, this recipe takes that familiar concept and adds depth and heartiness by turning it into a stew. The inclusion of butter beans, also known as lima beans, elevates the dish by making it more filling and balanced, while still maintaining the core elements of the classic soup. Butter beans have a creamy texture that complements the broccoli and cheese perfectly, adding richness to the stew without overpowering the other ingredients.
By transforming the soup into a stew, this recipe also shifts the texture from something purely creamy to something that is more robust and satisfying. The broccoli remains tender but with enough bite, the beans add a smoothness that helps to thicken the broth, and the crispy panko topping offers a crunchy contrast to the creamy mixture below. This twist provides the comfort of the original soup, but with the added bonus of being a more complete meal.
The Role of Cheddar and Panko in the Recipe
One of the standout features of this dish is the crispy cheddar panko topping. The golden, crunchy topping brings an extra layer of flavor and texture that contrasts beautifully with the creamy and tender stew below. The panko, combined with sharp cheddar cheese, creates a crust-like layer that holds up to the richness of the beans and broccoli. As it bakes, the panko crisps up, while the cheddar melts, creating a crispy and cheesy coating that makes every bite a little more special.
The cheese itself plays a crucial role in the flavor of the dish. Sharp cheddar cheese is used for its bold and tangy flavor, which cuts through the richness of the creamy broth. The cheese melts into the stew, creating a smooth, velvety texture that complements the other ingredients. This combination of melted cheese and crispy panko adds complexity to the dish, making it more than just a simple vegetable and bean stew.
Making the Stew: A Flavorful Base
The stew itself begins with sautéing shallots and garlic in butter, which creates a fragrant base that will carry the rest of the flavors in the dish. Shallots bring a subtle sweetness that adds depth to the overall taste, while garlic provides that aromatic, savory foundation that is essential in many comforting dishes. The broccoli is added next, cooking just enough to retain its bright green color and firm texture, ensuring that it doesn’t become mushy in the stew. This method allows the broccoli to retain its texture while infusing the stew with its fresh, earthy flavor.
The addition of flour helps to thicken the stew, allowing the liquid to take on a creamier consistency when the milk is added. The whole milk provides richness, helping to bind the flavors together and create a luscious, creamy broth. Once the cheese is stirred in, it melts and combines with the milk to form a smooth, velvety texture that coats the vegetables and beans. The result is a rich and creamy base that perfectly complements the crispness of the panko topping and the hearty beans.
Incorporating the Butter Beans
Butter beans are the perfect addition to this stew, offering not only a creamy texture but also a mild flavor that blends seamlessly with the other ingredients. These beans absorb the creamy broth, adding their own richness to the dish and making it more filling. Butter beans are high in protein and fiber, making them a great choice for a comforting, plant-based meal. They also help to thicken the stew slightly, giving it a heartier consistency that makes it feel more like a complete meal.
The beans are added to the stew after the cheese has been melted and the base is fully prepared. By heating the beans through, they absorb the flavors of the broth, blending into the dish without becoming too soft or breaking apart. The addition of beans makes this dish more substantial, turning it into a fulfilling main course rather than just a side dish or starter.
Seasoning and Garnishes: Bringing the Dish Together
Once the stew has been assembled, it’s seasoned with salt, pepper, and optional red chili flakes or Aleppo pepper for a subtle heat. The seasoning allows the natural flavors of the broccoli and beans to shine through, while the heat from the pepper adds a gentle kick to balance the richness of the cheddar and cream. If desired, a drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil can be added before serving, enhancing the dish with a fresh, peppery finish.
The crispy cheddar panko topping is added just before serving, creating a contrast in both flavor and texture. The warmth from the stew gently melts the cheddar in the panko, while the crispy breadcrumbs remain intact, providing a satisfying crunch with every bite. For added texture and flavor, the dish can be garnished with additional freshly ground black pepper, which gives it a hint of spice that complements the creaminess of the stew.
A Versatile and Comforting Meal
One of the best things about Broccoli Cheddar Beans with Crispy Cheddar Panko is its versatility. It’s a meal that can be enjoyed on its own or paired with a variety of sides. The richness of the stew makes it a satisfying main dish, but it can also be served alongside a simple green salad, crusty bread, or roasted vegetables to make the meal even more filling. The crispy panko topping provides a fun, indulgent element, making the dish feel like a special treat despite its simplicity.
This dish is also a great option for those looking to incorporate more plant-based meals into their diet. While the recipe does contain cheese, the base is made with whole milk and butter, and the butter beans provide the protein and substance needed to create a satisfying meal. It’s a great option for vegetarians and can easily be adapted to suit a variety of dietary preferences.
Conclusion
Broccoli Cheddar Beans with Crispy Cheddar Panko is a comforting and satisfying dish that takes the classic flavors of broccoli cheddar soup and transforms them into a hearty, stewy meal. The combination of creamy cheese, tender broccoli, and butter beans, along with the crispy panko topping, creates a dish that is both rich in flavor and texture. Whether you’re craving a cozy meal to warm you up on a cold day or looking for a delicious and filling dish to serve to guests, this recipe is sure to please. It’s a perfect balance of flavors and textures, making it an unforgettable dish that will become a new favorite in your meal rotation. The addition of the crispy panko provides a delightful contrast to the creamy stew, elevating the dish and adding an extra layer of enjoyment to every bite.